WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.799 In 1923, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the major Christian denomination in Eastern Europe, 00:00:07.219 --> 00:00:08.700 decided to update its calendar. 00:00:09.599 --> 00:00:13.820 This decision caused a significant amount of distress among the church's members 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:16.500 because it was felt that changing the date of Easter 00:00:16.500 --> 00:00:20.140 was breaking a millennia-old tradition for no good theological reason. 00:00:21.339 --> 00:00:24.879 Consequently, the Eastern Orthodox Church split into two groups, 00:00:24.879 --> 00:00:27.679 the new calendarists who accepted the new calendar 00:00:27.679 --> 00:00:31.519 and the old calendarists who stuck to the old calculation of Easter. 00:00:32.219 --> 00:00:34.399 Each group branded the others as heretics 00:00:34.399 --> 00:00:37.600 and refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of each other's leadership, 00:00:38.240 --> 00:00:39.859 seemingly breaking the church in two. 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:43.619 To this day, the split remains very real for those in Eastern Europe, 00:00:44.100 --> 00:00:46.019 although the divide has softened in recent years. 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:51.519 Hey everyone, my name is Aidan and I'm a member of the congregation here at St Paul's. 00:00:51.519 --> 00:00:54.460 I want to start off with that fun little historical story 00:00:54.460 --> 00:00:56.640 because interestingly, in the last week, 00:00:56.640 --> 00:01:00.780 the concept of a split or schism in the church is a very relevant one. 00:01:01.560 --> 00:01:05.579 As just this week, announcements of a new diocese of the Southern Cross 00:01:05.579 --> 00:01:09.640 created headlines like Australian-Anglican Church splits 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:11.760 in the Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC. 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:15.799 This decision has come from disagreements between Christians around Australia 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:17.599 over the blessing of same-sex marriages. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:19.760 And if you've got questions about it, 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:22.019 I'd recommend having a chat to our senior minister, Steve, 00:01:22.180 --> 00:01:24.200 or watching the video he made this week, 00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:25.879 which should have been sent out if you're on the mailing list. 00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:31.900 But what a coincidence then that this of all weeks, 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:34.439 we're scheduled to look at Romans 14, 00:01:34.980 --> 00:01:38.859 a passage that wants to answer a surprisingly very relevant question. 00:01:39.739 --> 00:01:41.879 What do we do when Christians disagree? 00:01:43.019 --> 00:01:45.500 The Bible's answer to this question is probably not what you'd expect 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:48.560 given the quarrelsome and curmudgeonly history of the Christian church. 00:01:49.060 --> 00:01:51.480 But before we get to that answer, we need a bit of context. 00:01:51.480 --> 00:01:54.020 So let me pray before we get started. 00:01:56.540 --> 00:01:59.460 Heavenly Father, as we come to look at Romans 14 today, 00:02:00.020 --> 00:02:03.180 let our hearts be open, our minds be willing to change, 00:02:03.460 --> 00:02:05.980 and our spirits be eager to hear the gospel. 00:02:06.859 --> 00:02:07.000 Amen. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:11.500 If this is your first time joining us here for our Roman series, 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:13.759 or if you need a bit of a reminder of where we've been, 00:02:13.860 --> 00:02:17.080 we're reading through Paul the Apostle's letter to the Roman church, 00:02:17.400 --> 00:02:20.960 which isn't so much a letter as a deep dive into Christian thinking 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:23.180 on God, humanity, and the law. 00:02:24.300 --> 00:02:27.199 Now, Paul hadn't actually met the Roman church he was writing to, 00:02:27.520 --> 00:02:30.000 but he knew of them through friends who had visited Rome. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:33.420 And the news he was getting was a bit troubling. 00:02:33.419 --> 00:02:36.759 There was a divide beginning to form in the Roman church. 00:02:37.419 --> 00:02:39.639 Christians and Rome had split into two camps, 00:02:39.939 --> 00:02:42.539 based on a disagreement not over marriage or money, 00:02:42.979 --> 00:02:44.019 but over meat. 00:02:45.219 --> 00:02:46.819 If you look back at your Bibles with me, 00:02:46.979 --> 00:02:50.219 Paul outlines this debate in verse 2 of chapter 14. 00:02:51.679 --> 00:02:52.619 I'll go to the other one. 00:02:54.859 --> 00:02:57.819 One person's faith allows them to eat anything, 00:02:58.339 --> 00:03:01.639 but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:05.839 Apparently, there were two groups of the Roman church at this time. 00:03:06.159 --> 00:03:08.559 Those who thought that it was wrong for Christians to eat meat, 00:03:09.079 --> 00:03:10.859 known as the weak, 00:03:11.539 --> 00:03:13.899 and there were Christians that thought they should be able to eat 00:03:13.899 --> 00:03:16.599 whatever they want, regardless of where it came from, 00:03:16.759 --> 00:03:18.319 which Paul labels the strong. 00:03:19.500 --> 00:03:22.799 Now, this isn't a fight you'd find in many churches around Australia today, 00:03:23.039 --> 00:03:26.439 but the pattern of this disagreement is something that has been replicated 00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:29.459 in thousands, if not millions, of church throughout history. 00:03:29.460 --> 00:03:33.939 On one side, those with a firm belief that some particular practice is wrong, 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:35.240 in this case eating meat, 00:03:35.740 --> 00:03:39.219 look down upon others as less committed followers of Christ. 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:43.100 On the other hand, believers who think that the practice is fine to do, 00:03:43.780 --> 00:03:45.640 i.e. are fine with eating meat, 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:48.560 show contempt towards their dissenting brothers and sisters, 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.300 viewing them as pedantic and needlessly judgmental. 00:03:51.300 --> 00:03:55.420 So from disagreement on a theological question, 00:03:55.820 --> 00:03:57.939 real problems can start to occur, 00:03:58.040 --> 00:04:01.300 where otherwise healthy relationships are poisoned by bitterness, 00:04:01.660 --> 00:04:02.660 judgment and contempt. 00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:06.920 And it's into this context that Paul gives his answer 00:04:06.920 --> 00:04:08.360 to the very relevant question. 00:04:09.080 --> 00:04:11.100 What do we do when Christians disagree? 00:04:12.380 --> 00:04:12.920 Paul's answer? 00:04:13.980 --> 00:04:16.699 Practice acceptance, not judgment. 00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:19.000 Have a look at verse 6 with me. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:22.220 Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, 00:04:22.600 --> 00:04:23.879 for they give thanks to God. 00:04:24.300 --> 00:04:28.160 And whoever abstains does so to the Lord and give thanks to God. 00:04:29.319 --> 00:04:33.000 Rather than engaging in this feedback loop of negativity and animosity, 00:04:33.519 --> 00:04:36.839 Paul offers up a radical new way of relating to each other, 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:41.019 a policy of acceptance that leaves judgment up to God. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:44.519 Now there's a lot of nuance in Paul's plan 00:04:44.519 --> 00:04:46.620 for resolving a conflict in the Roman church, 00:04:46.620 --> 00:04:48.800 but throughout verses 6 to 8, 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:51.939 Paul keeps repeating his core idea. 00:04:52.579 --> 00:04:55.100 Whatever you do, do it for the Lord. 00:04:56.040 --> 00:04:57.300 If you've been a Christian for a while, 00:04:57.379 --> 00:04:59.600 this might not seem particularly surprising to you. 00:04:59.840 --> 00:05:01.519 A fundamental part of the Christian faith 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:03.660 is giving everything in your life over to Jesus. 00:05:04.740 --> 00:05:06.420 But Paul reminds us here that 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:08.879 this doesn't just change how we relate to God, 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:11.600 it also changes how we relate to each other. 00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:16.300 Who are you to judge somebody else's servant? 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:20.040 To their own master's servants stand or fall, 00:05:20.200 --> 00:05:21.120 says Paul in verse 4. 00:05:21.620 --> 00:05:23.060 And again in verse 10. 00:05:23.900 --> 00:05:26.680 You then, why do you judge your brother or sister? 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:28.680 Why do you treat them with contempt? 00:05:29.220 --> 00:05:31.500 For we will all stand before God's judgment. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:34.220 Paul is telling the Roman church, 00:05:34.220 --> 00:05:36.260 get out of God's chair. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:39.780 If everything I do as a Christian is for God, 00:05:40.140 --> 00:05:41.760 then I am a servant of God, 00:05:42.020 --> 00:05:44.820 and I have no right to do God's job for him, 00:05:45.240 --> 00:05:47.740 especially in the case of judging humanity. 00:05:49.020 --> 00:05:52.740 Most importantly, if I see a fellow servant of God, 00:05:52.820 --> 00:05:55.240 I have no right to judge my brother or sister 00:05:55.240 --> 00:05:57.460 on whether they're serving God correctly. 00:05:58.400 --> 00:06:01.520 Only the one they're serving can determine that. 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:04.879 I have no right to judge my fellow servant 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:07.519 because judgment is the Lord's alone. 00:06:08.240 --> 00:06:10.159 All I can do in the meantime 00:06:10.159 --> 00:06:11.959 is try and get along with my brother or sister 00:06:11.959 --> 00:06:14.759 and try and work together to serve our Lord 00:06:14.759 --> 00:06:16.019 in the best way we can. 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:20.379 For example, let's meet Alison and Ben. 00:06:21.159 --> 00:06:24.579 Alison thinks that eating food in church 00:06:24.579 --> 00:06:25.620 is totally fine, 00:06:26.139 --> 00:06:28.000 since God made food for us to enjoy 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:29.500 and the building in which we meet 00:06:29.500 --> 00:06:30.759 isn't particularly special. 00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:32.419 On the other hand, 00:06:32.899 --> 00:06:35.339 Ben thinks it's unbiblical to eat in church 00:06:35.339 --> 00:06:38.120 because it's the building we dedicate 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:39.019 to worshipping God 00:06:39.019 --> 00:06:40.359 and we should treat it with respect. 00:06:41.459 --> 00:06:42.919 That's a pretty significant divide 00:06:42.919 --> 00:06:44.159 between Alison and Ben, 00:06:44.299 --> 00:06:46.319 and if Alison ever brings a sandwich into church, 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:48.759 then one day there might be some real tension, 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:50.099 some conflict, 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:51.719 and potentially even arguments breaking out. 00:06:51.720 --> 00:06:55.000 But if both Alison and Ben 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:57.760 follow Paul's policy of acceptance over judgment, 00:06:59.440 --> 00:07:01.720 Ben can accept that Alison is serving God 00:07:01.720 --> 00:07:02.860 how she sees best, 00:07:03.440 --> 00:07:06.520 and Alison can accept that Ben is serving God 00:07:06.520 --> 00:07:07.720 how he sees best. 00:07:08.440 --> 00:07:12.320 And both can trust that God will be the one to judge, 00:07:12.319 --> 00:07:14.519 and so there's no need for an argument. 00:07:15.420 --> 00:07:18.599 Instead, we're able to accept one another's differing beliefs 00:07:18.599 --> 00:07:20.879 without breaking community. 00:07:22.740 --> 00:07:24.120 But like lots of things, 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:26.019 replacing judgment with acceptance 00:07:26.019 --> 00:07:28.060 is much easier said than done. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:31.300 When someone turns up to church wearing something 00:07:31.300 --> 00:07:33.079 or talking about something 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:34.800 or doing something we think is wrong, 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:37.819 how can we act biblically in that moment? 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:40.399 I think it's helpful to understand 00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:43.379 some of the emotions that cause judgment. 00:07:44.279 --> 00:07:46.360 And in my admittedly limited experience, 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:48.899 a significant amount of Christian judgment 00:07:48.899 --> 00:07:51.019 seems to come from genuine worry. 00:07:52.060 --> 00:07:53.899 Now, I'm only 24 years old. 00:07:54.039 --> 00:07:56.740 I haven't experienced all of what life's got to offer. 00:07:57.279 --> 00:07:58.339 I, you know, 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:01.779 don't have many deep insights into the human condition. 00:08:02.600 --> 00:08:04.199 But even from this vantage point, 00:08:04.459 --> 00:08:07.039 I can see that judgment doesn't often spring 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:10.060 from mean-spirited or malicious churchgoers. 00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:12.180 In fact, in many circumstances, 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:14.620 experiences of judgment within the Christian community 00:08:14.620 --> 00:08:16.220 come from one believer 00:08:16.220 --> 00:08:19.000 being genuinely worried about the faith of another, 00:08:19.640 --> 00:08:21.960 based on external assumptions about their life. 00:08:22.660 --> 00:08:25.240 We have a sense that if someone isn't serving God 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.420 as best they could, 00:08:26.759 --> 00:08:29.300 they have a deeply held belief that we know to be wrong, 00:08:30.160 --> 00:08:31.879 potentially their faith is at risk. 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.920 And they need to be made aware of their mistake 00:08:33.920 --> 00:08:35.240 as soon as possible. 00:08:35.240 --> 00:08:37.700 Because we genuinely care about them 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:39.940 as our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:43.379 But if that's you, 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:45.220 if you are someone who feels called 00:08:45.220 --> 00:08:46.320 to take that sort of action, 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:48.340 the challenge in this passage 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:51.080 is actually to entrust that job to God. 00:08:51.620 --> 00:08:53.759 Let the Lord take care of judging their faith, 00:08:53.820 --> 00:08:54.340 because ultimately, 00:08:54.560 --> 00:08:57.100 He is the one who maintains and sustains it. 00:08:57.100 --> 00:09:00.440 Don't stop caring about your church family, 00:09:00.560 --> 00:09:01.259 and by no means, 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:03.899 don't stop checking in on how they're going with Jesus. 00:09:05.259 --> 00:09:07.620 But we need to stop worrying about the strength 00:09:07.620 --> 00:09:10.779 of each other's faith based on what we do and don't do. 00:09:11.040 --> 00:09:13.940 Judging from assumptions and guesswork 00:09:13.940 --> 00:09:15.580 rather than genuine conversation. 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:18.940 And start learning instead to accept one another, 00:09:19.100 --> 00:09:21.019 even if the way you live for Jesus 00:09:21.019 --> 00:09:22.779 is different to the way I do. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:25.600 I think Paul sums it up best in verse 19. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.419 Rather than worry about judgment, 00:09:27.699 --> 00:09:30.259 make every effort to do what leads to peace 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:31.360 and mutual edification. 00:09:33.720 --> 00:09:34.460 So then, 00:09:34.840 --> 00:09:37.319 in this new happy community of acceptance, 00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:39.539 does this mean we should just accept 00:09:39.539 --> 00:09:41.600 all practices of our fellow believers, 00:09:42.019 --> 00:09:43.319 regardless of what it is? 00:09:43.320 --> 00:09:44.720 Well, 00:09:45.379 --> 00:09:45.860 no. 00:09:46.940 --> 00:09:49.080 Paul's policy of acceptance in Romans 14, 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:52.820 its specific policy meant for a specific set of issues, 00:09:53.160 --> 00:09:55.280 which calls us to make a careful distinction 00:09:55.280 --> 00:09:57.980 between gospel issues and disputable issues. 00:09:58.720 --> 00:09:59.879 Let's have a look at verse 1. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:02.480 Accept the one whose faith is weak 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:05.060 without quarreling over disputable matters. 00:10:06.060 --> 00:10:06.540 Ah, 00:10:07.020 --> 00:10:08.620 so there's the qualification. 00:10:10.160 --> 00:10:11.440 Disputable matters. 00:10:11.440 --> 00:10:15.580 Paul's policy is specifically for disputable matters. 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:17.300 I think that'd be a really good phrase 00:10:17.300 --> 00:10:18.200 to keep in the front of your head 00:10:18.200 --> 00:10:19.940 because it's going to be a really important one. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:23.040 What is a disputable matter? 00:10:25.020 --> 00:10:25.560 Well, 00:10:25.680 --> 00:10:26.860 let's start with the Bible itself. 00:10:27.400 --> 00:10:28.440 Rather than disputable matters, 00:10:28.680 --> 00:10:30.100 your translation might have opinions 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:31.380 or doubtful issues 00:10:31.380 --> 00:10:31.940 or, 00:10:32.400 --> 00:10:33.640 in the King James Version, 00:10:33.980 --> 00:10:35.220 doubtful disputations. 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:37.180 These are different attempts to translate 00:10:37.180 --> 00:10:37.940 the Greek word 00:10:37.940 --> 00:10:39.380 dialogismoi. 00:10:40.160 --> 00:10:40.420 Now, 00:10:40.420 --> 00:10:40.960 full disclosure, 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:42.480 I don't know biblical Greek, 00:10:42.920 --> 00:10:44.320 but after doing some research, 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:46.519 a common consensus among theologians 00:10:46.519 --> 00:10:47.700 like John Stott, 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:48.280 Kent Hughes, 00:10:48.340 --> 00:10:48.900 and Tim Keller 00:10:48.900 --> 00:10:51.879 is that the word refers to matters of practice 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:54.420 about which God has not specifically spoken. 00:10:55.660 --> 00:10:57.100 Keller explicitly translated it 00:10:57.100 --> 00:10:58.600 as meaning matters of conscience, 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:00.500 which he and the other theologians 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:02.080 take to mean as an action 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:04.240 which God has neither clearly forbidden 00:11:04.240 --> 00:11:06.000 nor clearly commanded. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:08.659 So the policy of acceptance 00:11:08.659 --> 00:11:09.399 above disagreement 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:10.700 applies to practice 00:11:10.700 --> 00:11:12.100 about which the Bible 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:12.899 is unclear 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:13.740 and ambiguous. 00:11:14.740 --> 00:11:15.080 So, 00:11:15.620 --> 00:11:16.659 lots of things. 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:18.519 The Bible only has so many words 00:11:18.519 --> 00:11:19.279 after all 00:11:19.279 --> 00:11:20.799 and was written a long time 00:11:20.799 --> 00:11:22.100 before social media ethics 00:11:22.100 --> 00:11:23.080 became a popular topic. 00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:26.039 But it can sometimes still be difficult 00:11:26.039 --> 00:11:27.220 and controversial 00:11:27.220 --> 00:11:28.000 to figure out 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:28.559 whether something, 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:29.779 whether a topic of debate 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:30.919 is disputable, 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:32.399 is a disputable issue 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:33.440 that you can agree 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:34.260 to disagree over 00:11:34.260 --> 00:11:35.860 or something 00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:37.080 that is non-disputable, 00:11:37.180 --> 00:11:38.060 something that needs 00:11:38.060 --> 00:11:39.720 to be resolved 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:40.720 before continuing 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:41.700 in community together. 00:11:42.920 --> 00:11:44.260 To give us a bit of a hand 00:11:44.260 --> 00:11:44.620 with this, 00:11:44.760 --> 00:11:45.800 I borrowed some guidelines 00:11:45.800 --> 00:11:46.980 written by a London preacher, 00:11:47.240 --> 00:11:47.860 Dick Lucas, 00:11:48.260 --> 00:11:49.460 who outlines three principles 00:11:49.460 --> 00:11:50.420 for identifying 00:11:50.420 --> 00:11:51.840 a disputable issue. 00:11:52.880 --> 00:11:53.640 Number one, 00:11:54.120 --> 00:11:55.200 the principles of the matter 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:56.360 apply to behaviour 00:11:56.360 --> 00:11:57.220 or to practice, 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:59.140 but not to doctrine. 00:12:00.940 --> 00:12:02.540 Lucas' justification for this 00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:03.939 is that Paul has just spent 00:12:03.939 --> 00:12:04.919 11 chapters 00:12:04.919 --> 00:12:06.379 outlining clear teaching 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:07.860 on the proper Christian beliefs 00:12:07.860 --> 00:12:08.519 and worldview. 00:12:09.319 --> 00:12:10.079 He's not suddenly 00:12:10.079 --> 00:12:10.980 in Romans 14 00:12:10.980 --> 00:12:11.899 inviting Christians 00:12:11.899 --> 00:12:12.599 to challenge 00:12:12.599 --> 00:12:13.419 what he's written. 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:16.339 Paul is addressing disagreements 00:12:16.339 --> 00:12:16.959 over the way 00:12:16.959 --> 00:12:17.860 people should practically 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:19.240 respond to this message. 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:21.059 Number two, 00:12:21.559 --> 00:12:22.799 for a matter to be disputable, 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:23.740 there must be no 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:25.339 clear, relevant commands. 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:28.339 The Bible is God's 00:12:28.339 --> 00:12:28.879 absolute, 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:29.959 final, 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:31.679 authoritative word 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:32.559 on the behaviour 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:33.459 that is pleasing 00:12:33.459 --> 00:12:34.679 and acceptable to him. 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:36.620 The instructions in it 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:37.879 aren't optional extras 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:39.120 we get to choose 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.799 if we want to follow 00:12:39.799 --> 00:12:40.839 when we become a Christian. 00:12:41.839 --> 00:12:42.979 Within the clear boundaries 00:12:42.979 --> 00:12:43.779 God has set, 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:44.639 we're free to debate 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:45.479 which is the better way 00:12:45.479 --> 00:12:46.199 to live for God 00:12:46.199 --> 00:12:47.000 and accept when 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:47.859 our fellow sister 00:12:47.859 --> 00:12:48.879 or brother disagrees. 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.039 But if God has already 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:52.459 made his stance clear 00:12:52.459 --> 00:12:53.139 on an issue, 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:54.739 who are we 00:12:54.739 --> 00:12:55.399 to contradict 00:12:55.399 --> 00:12:56.339 what he said, 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.819 even if we feel 00:12:57.819 --> 00:12:58.379 uncomfortable 00:12:58.379 --> 00:12:59.439 or angry 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:00.479 at his word? 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:02.240 Yet if there isn't 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.259 a biblical command 00:13:03.259 --> 00:13:04.259 about a certain practice, 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:05.240 then that matter 00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:06.580 might just be disputable. 00:13:07.759 --> 00:13:08.100 And finally, 00:13:08.180 --> 00:13:08.519 number three, 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:09.659 all... 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:12.120 Waiting for it, 00:13:12.200 --> 00:13:12.659 there you go. 00:13:13.000 --> 00:13:14.240 All issues are disputable 00:13:14.240 --> 00:13:15.639 except gospel issues. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:17.340 What Lucas means by this 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:17.960 is that Christians 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:18.740 have the true 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:19.820 and real freedom 00:13:19.820 --> 00:13:21.320 to have different opinions 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.080 without suffering 00:13:22.080 --> 00:13:23.320 exclusion or judgment. 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:26.240 Except if those opinions 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:27.539 modify the gospel. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:29.319 If the gospel, 00:13:29.539 --> 00:13:29.779 i.e. 00:13:29.799 --> 00:13:30.459 faith in Jesus' 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:31.519 death and resurrection 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:32.799 becomes not enough 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:33.860 to achieve salvation, 00:13:34.219 --> 00:13:35.319 if something additional 00:13:35.319 --> 00:13:36.679 is required to be saved 00:13:36.679 --> 00:13:37.559 and enter God's kingdom, 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:38.879 whether some practice, 00:13:39.059 --> 00:13:39.899 behaviour or belief, 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:41.699 then that matter 00:13:41.699 --> 00:13:42.779 is not disputable. 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:44.199 To be a Christian 00:13:44.199 --> 00:13:45.279 is to be a believer 00:13:45.279 --> 00:13:46.299 in the gospel. 00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:47.819 And as Paul says 00:13:47.819 --> 00:13:49.120 in Galatians 1 verse 9, 00:13:49.539 --> 00:13:50.519 if anyone is preaching 00:13:50.519 --> 00:13:51.219 to you a gospel 00:13:51.219 --> 00:13:52.439 other than what you've accepted, 00:13:52.959 --> 00:13:54.299 let them be under God's curse. 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:57.099 So enough theory. 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:59.099 Let's have a go at this. 00:13:59.719 --> 00:14:00.459 Let's have a go 00:14:00.459 --> 00:14:01.219 at figuring out 00:14:01.219 --> 00:14:01.899 whether an issue 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:03.159 is disputable or not. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:04.299 Can we agree 00:14:04.299 --> 00:14:05.219 to disagree on it 00:14:05.219 --> 00:14:05.979 or does it need 00:14:05.979 --> 00:14:06.719 to be resolved 00:14:06.719 --> 00:14:07.879 for continuing 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:08.579 in community? 00:14:09.539 --> 00:14:10.099 Now I'm not looking 00:14:10.099 --> 00:14:11.039 to figure out whether... 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:12.079 I'm not looking 00:14:12.079 --> 00:14:12.659 to figure out 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:13.299 what is right 00:14:13.299 --> 00:14:14.539 and wrong on this issue. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:15.379 That's important. 00:14:15.799 --> 00:14:17.059 But it's also important 00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:18.219 to know what type 00:14:18.219 --> 00:14:19.079 of issue this is. 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:20.819 So imagine Ben 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:21.399 from earlier 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:22.539 has turned up to church 00:14:22.539 --> 00:14:23.120 and said, 00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:24.740 all Christians 00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:25.940 must wear shoes 00:14:25.940 --> 00:14:26.820 while in church. 00:14:27.240 --> 00:14:28.659 No bare feet allowed. 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.200 Anyone who comes 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:30.860 into church 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:32.320 needs to put on shoes 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:32.980 before coming 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:33.899 to worship God. 00:14:35.060 --> 00:14:35.980 I want you to turn 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:36.940 to the person next to you 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:37.580 and have a chat 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.279 about whether 00:14:38.279 --> 00:14:39.879 wearing shoes in church 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:41.080 is a disputable issue. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.179 If you're at home, 00:14:42.799 --> 00:14:43.279 turn to the people 00:14:43.279 --> 00:14:43.740 next to you 00:14:43.740 --> 00:14:44.620 or have a good think 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:46.259 on this topic. 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:47.980 And I want you to try 00:14:47.980 --> 00:14:49.240 and justify your position 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:50.560 either using the guidelines 00:14:50.560 --> 00:14:51.440 that will be on the screen 00:14:51.440 --> 00:14:52.840 or other thoughts 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:53.460 you might have. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:54.220 Since it's a bit 00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:54.760 of a bigger topic, 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:55.400 I'll give you 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:56.700 three, four minutes 00:14:56.700 --> 00:14:57.700 to have a chat about it 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.480 and then we'll come back. 00:14:59.100 --> 00:14:59.920 So have a chat. 00:15:01.500 --> 00:15:02.540 All right. 00:15:03.380 --> 00:15:04.580 Let's come back. 00:15:06.260 --> 00:15:07.260 For the record, 00:15:07.259 --> 00:15:09.159 I think wearing shoes 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:11.059 in church is a disputable issue 00:15:11.059 --> 00:15:13.059 and something we can agree 00:15:13.059 --> 00:15:14.019 to disagree on 00:15:14.019 --> 00:15:15.720 because it's about practice. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.419 Because one, 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.240 it's about practice. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:20.019 Two, as far as I know, 00:15:20.139 --> 00:15:21.019 there's nothing specific 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:21.659 in the Bible 00:15:21.659 --> 00:15:22.759 to the covering of feet 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.319 in church 00:15:23.319 --> 00:15:24.779 and it doesn't add 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:25.600 or take away 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.679 from the gospel message. 00:15:27.600 --> 00:15:28.799 But I think your instincts 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:29.360 on that question 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:30.379 may have highlighted something 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.580 about where you lie 00:15:31.580 --> 00:15:32.639 on something I'm calling 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.779 the disputable scale. 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:35.600 On one end of the spectrum 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:37.340 is the tendency to mark 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:38.820 everything as disputable, 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:39.840 often associated 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:41.440 with more liberal theology. 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:43.379 This is where every issue, 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:44.279 no matter how big, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.120 small or central 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:45.659 to the gospel, 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:47.200 can be smoothened over 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:48.940 by some magic church policy, 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.779 even if it means compromising 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:51.620 on the central message 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:52.159 of the gospel. 00:15:52.840 --> 00:15:53.779 While on the other end 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:55.120 is fundamentalism, 00:15:55.220 --> 00:15:56.659 where nothing is disputable 00:15:56.659 --> 00:15:57.820 and those who don't follow 00:15:57.820 --> 00:15:59.120 the exact same practices 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.300 and behaviours of you 00:16:00.300 --> 00:16:01.879 aren't real Christians. 00:16:03.080 --> 00:16:04.160 Now it's unlikely 00:16:04.160 --> 00:16:05.500 you're exactly at 00:16:05.500 --> 00:16:06.759 either end of these spectrums, 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:08.139 but all of us 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:08.840 are somewhere 00:16:08.840 --> 00:16:09.980 on this scale, 00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.399 whether you're more likely 00:16:11.399 --> 00:16:12.600 to prioritise tolerance 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:13.379 over truth 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:14.600 or conventions 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.559 over accuracy. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:17.720 Now I'm a conflict avoider, 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:19.399 so my instinct is to say 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:20.679 we can agree to disagree 00:16:20.679 --> 00:16:22.000 and avoid a hard conversation. 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:23.659 But if you're someone 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.340 who really cares 00:16:24.340 --> 00:16:25.000 about traditions, 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:26.679 your instinct might be to say 00:16:26.679 --> 00:16:27.240 that the way 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.419 we've always done things 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:29.139 is the best 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:30.440 and maybe the only way 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:31.179 to do things here. 00:16:32.179 --> 00:16:32.679 Either way, 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:34.000 whatever side 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.179 of the scale you're on, 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.799 we all need to focus 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:37.419 on the truth 00:16:37.419 --> 00:16:38.559 that can only come 00:16:38.559 --> 00:16:39.220 from the Bible. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:40.519 Making sure 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:41.419 that our claims 00:16:41.419 --> 00:16:42.139 of whether things 00:16:42.139 --> 00:16:43.399 are disputable or not 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:45.000 are solely based 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:46.279 on its truth, 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:48.039 not on our own feelings 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:48.860 or what we know 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.299 as normal. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:50.960 So before claiming 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:52.279 something is a gospel issue, 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.620 take a moment 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:54.539 to think about 00:16:54.539 --> 00:16:55.279 whether the problem 00:16:55.279 --> 00:16:56.419 is disputable or not. 00:16:57.000 --> 00:16:57.940 Because if it isn't, 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.460 then wise, 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:00.000 careful, 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.039 and considerate action 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:01.659 needs to be taken. 00:17:01.659 --> 00:17:03.819 And if it is disputable, 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.119 then we need to follow 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:05.819 Paul's policy 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:06.440 of acceptance 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:07.379 over judgment. 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:10.980 So given that we've 00:17:10.980 --> 00:17:11.879 talked through the differences 00:17:11.879 --> 00:17:12.960 between disputable 00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:14.319 and non-disputable issues, 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:16.059 what are some disputable issues 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:17.039 that we here 00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:17.859 at Chatswood 00:17:17.859 --> 00:17:19.059 are likely to face? 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:19.819 What are some 00:17:19.819 --> 00:17:20.639 disputable issues 00:17:20.639 --> 00:17:21.259 that are relevant 00:17:21.259 --> 00:17:22.559 to us in this building? 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:25.059 Well, as much as it's been 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:25.619 an important topic 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.319 in the last week, 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:27.599 Paul's policy 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.099 of acceptance 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:28.799 over judgment 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:30.079 is always going 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.759 to be significant 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:31.680 for St. Paul's 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.700 because as Steve said 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.059 at the beginning 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:33.659 of the year, 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:34.639 we are striving 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:35.960 to be a supernatural 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:36.659 community. 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:38.159 One where our community 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:39.200 isn't just made up 00:17:39.200 --> 00:17:39.980 of people who are 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:40.859 similar to each other, 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:43.220 but a multicultural one. 00:17:43.599 --> 00:17:44.419 One that is both 00:17:44.419 --> 00:17:46.680 diverse and unified 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:47.899 at the same time. 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.099 But that's a challenging 00:17:50.099 --> 00:17:50.619 aim. 00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:51.919 Because with many 00:17:51.919 --> 00:17:52.539 different cultures 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:53.139 coming together, 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:53.619 there are going to be 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:54.700 some big differences 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:55.839 about what we view 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:56.539 as acceptable 00:17:56.539 --> 00:17:57.399 and unacceptable 00:17:57.399 --> 00:17:58.079 behaviours. 00:17:59.159 --> 00:18:00.180 What type of clothes 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:01.079 is it okay to wear? 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.259 What does respecting 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:03.279 your parents look like? 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.379 What does hospitality mean? 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:06.019 What does church look like? 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.700 What type of songs 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:08.419 do we sing? 00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:09.359 What do we expect 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:09.940 of our leaders? 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:11.039 How do we do communion? 00:18:11.379 --> 00:18:11.899 What language 00:18:11.899 --> 00:18:12.940 do we read the Bible in? 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:14.919 With people coming 00:18:14.919 --> 00:18:15.680 to St. Paul's 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:16.419 from the multitude 00:18:16.419 --> 00:18:17.700 of cultures around Chatswood, 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.720 it seems inevitable 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:20.379 that we'll face conflict 00:18:20.379 --> 00:18:21.240 over the right way 00:18:21.240 --> 00:18:22.079 to live as a Christian. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.599 Indeed, I'm sure 00:18:23.599 --> 00:18:24.240 there have already 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:25.419 been many disagreements 00:18:25.419 --> 00:18:26.419 over church practice 00:18:26.419 --> 00:18:27.819 in the years 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:28.359 that St. Paul's 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:28.799 has been going. 00:18:29.879 --> 00:18:30.799 So how are we 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:31.879 still here together 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:32.639 as a church 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:34.039 despite these arguments 00:18:34.039 --> 00:18:34.979 and how can we 00:18:34.979 --> 00:18:35.859 make sure 00:18:35.859 --> 00:18:36.979 that St. Paul's 00:18:36.979 --> 00:18:37.919 remains both diverse 00:18:37.919 --> 00:18:39.079 and unified? 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:42.019 Well, Paul's 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:43.019 answer is simple. 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.039 Don't be a stumbling block 00:18:45.039 --> 00:18:46.379 for God's good work. 00:18:46.679 --> 00:18:47.479 Have a look at 00:18:47.479 --> 00:18:48.379 verse 20 with me. 00:18:48.380 --> 00:18:51.540 Do not destroy 00:18:51.540 --> 00:18:52.580 the work of God 00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.620 for the sake of food. 00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:55.380 All food is clean, 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:56.500 but it is wrong 00:18:56.500 --> 00:18:57.120 for a person 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:58.000 to eat anything 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.880 that causes 00:18:58.880 --> 00:18:59.480 someone else 00:18:59.480 --> 00:18:59.940 to stumble. 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:01.980 Remember the two groups 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.080 I mentioned earlier? 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:04.140 Those that thought 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:05.180 eating meat was sinful 00:19:05.180 --> 00:19:06.160 and those that thought 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:06.800 it was fine? 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:08.820 Well, Paul's clearly 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:09.880 in the second group 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:10.860 believing that Jesus 00:19:10.860 --> 00:19:12.860 has made all things clean. 00:19:12.859 --> 00:19:14.639 But he goes on 00:19:14.639 --> 00:19:15.339 to say here 00:19:15.339 --> 00:19:16.439 that even though 00:19:16.439 --> 00:19:17.859 he knows he is right, 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.479 membership in the 00:19:19.479 --> 00:19:20.079 kingdom of God 00:19:20.079 --> 00:19:21.379 is not first and foremost 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:22.859 about being proven correct. 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:24.439 No, the priority 00:19:24.439 --> 00:19:25.979 for those living for God 00:19:25.979 --> 00:19:27.519 is caring for others. 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:29.179 See, we've already 00:19:29.179 --> 00:19:29.959 talked about the general 00:19:29.959 --> 00:19:31.079 case of what to do 00:19:31.079 --> 00:19:31.699 if two Christians 00:19:31.699 --> 00:19:32.119 disagree, 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.219 but we're talking about 00:19:33.219 --> 00:19:34.379 the specific case 00:19:34.379 --> 00:19:35.500 where you know 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:36.179 what's right 00:19:36.179 --> 00:19:37.599 and you see someone 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.159 doing something 00:19:38.159 --> 00:19:39.379 you disagree with. 00:19:39.380 --> 00:19:41.180 Realistically, 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:42.240 if you view 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.860 a fellow believer 00:19:42.860 --> 00:19:43.440 doing something 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.320 you know is wrong, 00:19:44.940 --> 00:19:46.100 your instinct won't be 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:47.060 oh, they're just doing 00:19:47.060 --> 00:19:48.040 things differently to me. 00:19:48.600 --> 00:19:49.780 Your instinct will be 00:19:49.780 --> 00:19:51.040 that's wrong. 00:19:52.600 --> 00:19:53.340 Now, Australian society 00:19:53.340 --> 00:19:53.960 is very clear 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:54.560 on what to do 00:19:54.560 --> 00:19:55.760 in a situation like this. 00:19:56.120 --> 00:19:57.060 It only takes one look 00:19:57.060 --> 00:19:57.820 at Twitter or Facebook 00:19:57.820 --> 00:19:59.320 to see that if I am right, 00:19:59.620 --> 00:20:00.460 it's my responsibility 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:02.040 to prove myself right. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:03.260 Get the other person 00:20:03.260 --> 00:20:03.800 to acknowledge 00:20:03.800 --> 00:20:04.640 their own wrongness 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:06.280 and then if they refuse 00:20:06.280 --> 00:20:06.920 to change their mind 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.380 immediately, 00:20:07.820 --> 00:20:08.800 I should ridicule them 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:09.440 for being wrong 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:10.559 or at least say something 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:11.240 along the lines 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.680 of typical liberal snowflake 00:20:12.680 --> 00:20:14.000 or typical right-wing nutjob. 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:16.440 The Bible's answer 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.379 on the other hand 00:20:17.379 --> 00:20:19.159 is radically different. 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:21.419 Think of the needs 00:20:21.419 --> 00:20:22.839 of the other person first. 00:20:23.680 --> 00:20:24.440 Do what's best 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:25.039 for the faith 00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:26.259 of your brother or sister 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:27.379 even if it means 00:20:27.379 --> 00:20:28.579 limiting your own liberty 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:30.139 or accepting actions 00:20:30.139 --> 00:20:31.259 you don't agree with. 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:32.599 Don't jeopardise 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:33.680 their faith 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:34.919 or their connection 00:20:34.919 --> 00:20:35.879 to God's church. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:37.579 What if by doing 00:20:37.579 --> 00:20:38.200 something you know 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:38.799 to be right 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:39.580 which they view 00:20:39.580 --> 00:20:40.100 as wrong, 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.700 they become confused 00:20:41.700 --> 00:20:42.720 about what God wants 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:43.620 and thus cause 00:20:43.620 --> 00:20:44.819 to sin in other areas? 00:20:45.420 --> 00:20:46.279 Or what if by calling 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:47.059 them out on a practice 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.880 you know to be wrong 00:20:47.880 --> 00:20:48.440 but they believe 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:48.960 is right, 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:49.960 you tempt them 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.019 to unnecessary bitterness 00:20:51.019 --> 00:20:51.700 and malice? 00:20:52.380 --> 00:20:53.340 This isn't to say 00:20:53.340 --> 00:20:54.259 that we should abstain 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.100 from upsetting anyone 00:20:55.100 --> 00:20:55.740 in our church 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.640 lest the church 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.420 become whim 00:20:57.420 --> 00:20:58.080 to the subject 00:20:58.080 --> 00:20:59.080 of grumpy Christians, 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:00.700 but Paul is specifically 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:01.400 talking here 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:02.120 about issues 00:21:02.120 --> 00:21:03.920 that will cause 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.539 the other person 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:05.000 to doubt 00:21:05.000 --> 00:21:05.660 their relationship 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:06.320 to Jesus. 00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:08.279 Here's some quick examples. 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:09.720 If you believe 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.640 that all forms 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:11.240 of music 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.460 are fine for church 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.820 but your Christian brother 00:21:13.820 --> 00:21:16.980 is only able 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:18.200 to use one style 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:18.600 of worship 00:21:18.600 --> 00:21:19.300 to praise God, 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:20.400 you should do 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:20.920 what is best 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.560 for your brother 00:21:21.560 --> 00:21:23.000 and limit your liberty 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.960 for the sake 00:21:23.960 --> 00:21:24.600 of their communion 00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:25.100 with God. 00:21:25.820 --> 00:21:26.720 On the other hand, 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.140 if you think 00:21:27.140 --> 00:21:27.800 it's inappropriate 00:21:27.800 --> 00:21:28.440 for Christians 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:30.000 to wear immodest clothes, 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:31.200 worrying about 00:21:31.200 --> 00:21:31.880 the faith 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:32.900 of your Christian sister 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:33.680 who wears things 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.580 you deem indecent, 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:35.620 worry, 00:21:35.800 --> 00:21:36.380 like help 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:37.120 their situation? 00:21:38.080 --> 00:21:38.720 Or will doing it 00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:39.400 behind their back 00:21:39.400 --> 00:21:39.759 cause them 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.759 to feel judged, 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:41.340 guilty, 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:42.720 wrong for this congregation 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.480 and maybe wrong 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:44.040 for Jesus? 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.320 When it comes 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:47.460 to disputable issues, 00:21:47.800 --> 00:21:48.420 put the faith 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.460 of your fellow believer 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:51.040 first over any need 00:21:51.040 --> 00:21:52.340 to prove yourself right. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:54.440 Accept them first 00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.220 as your faithful 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:56.080 Christian sibling 00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:57.480 and don't cause them 00:21:57.480 --> 00:21:58.660 to stumble in that faith 00:21:58.660 --> 00:21:59.700 because as Paul says 00:21:59.700 --> 00:22:00.480 in verse 21, 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:01.680 it is better not 00:22:01.680 --> 00:22:02.400 to eat meat 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:03.460 or drink wine 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:05.079 or do anything else 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:06.019 that will cause 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.900 your brother or sister 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:07.339 to fall. 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:10.279 So how do we take steps 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:11.380 towards this new 00:22:11.380 --> 00:22:12.599 supernatural community 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:13.140 of acceptance? 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.380 Well, I think there's 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:15.620 two clear takeaways. 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.660 Firstly, 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.700 think very hard 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:19.940 before claiming something 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:21.519 is a non-disputable 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.680 gospel issue. 00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:25.079 Often when we see 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.980 someone doing something 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.140 outside of what we know 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:27.740 to be normal, 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.799 it can feel like 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.700 a massive issue 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:30.500 because they're 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:32.200 disrespecting the church. 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:34.299 But before reacting 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:34.960 on instinct 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.920 and lashing out 00:22:35.920 --> 00:22:37.100 in judgment or worry, 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.400 think back to those 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.319 guidelines for if 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:40.380 something is disputable 00:22:40.380 --> 00:22:40.819 or not. 00:22:41.600 --> 00:22:42.380 And if it is a 00:22:42.380 --> 00:22:43.120 disputable matter, 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:44.759 then now is the time 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.860 to practice acceptance, 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:47.380 especially if you 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.180 disagree with them. 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.880 Remember what Paul 00:22:49.880 --> 00:22:50.539 writes to the Roman 00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:50.960 church. 00:22:51.380 --> 00:22:52.680 Who are you to judge 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.680 someone else's servant? 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:55.720 Secondly, 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.039 remember that a church 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:57.840 of many cultures 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:58.660 is not going to be 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.840 a comfortable place. 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.300 To borrow another 00:23:01.300 --> 00:23:02.040 Steve phrase, 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.019 we need to embrace 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:04.460 shared discomfort. 00:23:05.820 --> 00:23:06.560 Paul encouraged 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:07.380 the Christians in Rome 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.100 to put away 00:23:08.100 --> 00:23:08.720 their own wants 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:09.220 and desires, 00:23:09.340 --> 00:23:10.320 put away the things 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:11.240 that make you feel 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:12.360 normal and comfortable. 00:23:13.060 --> 00:23:14.140 If it means someone 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:14.980 else will be able 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.220 to continue in 00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:17.140 fellowship with God 00:23:17.140 --> 00:23:18.100 and with his church. 00:23:19.100 --> 00:23:20.019 Holding unity 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:21.279 and diversity together 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.320 means doing church 00:23:22.320 --> 00:23:23.660 differently to how 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:24.800 you've always done it 00:23:24.800 --> 00:23:25.860 and doing it 00:23:25.860 --> 00:23:26.580 with Christians 00:23:26.579 --> 00:23:28.099 who do not live 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:28.659 the same way 00:23:28.659 --> 00:23:29.099 you do. 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:31.460 It means making 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.460 changes to suit 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.500 those in the minority 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.839 because otherwise 00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:35.599 it isn't truly 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.899 a shared discomfort. 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:39.059 And most importantly, 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:39.740 it means having 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.939 an accepting attitude 00:23:40.939 --> 00:23:42.059 towards difference. 00:23:43.699 --> 00:23:44.839 For some Pauls 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.339 to grow 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:46.259 in a multicultural 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:46.799 suburb, 00:23:46.939 --> 00:23:48.220 it needs you 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:49.339 to commit 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:50.519 to acceptance. 00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:52.480 Regardless 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.179 of what Christian 00:23:53.179 --> 00:23:53.779 walks through 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.659 those doors, 00:23:54.819 --> 00:23:55.439 regardless of 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.059 how they live, 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:56.980 regardless of 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:57.680 what they think, 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.320 regardless of 00:23:58.320 --> 00:23:59.440 the disputable issues 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.160 where you disagree, 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.580 you personally 00:24:02.580 --> 00:24:03.980 need to commit 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.200 to wholeheartedly 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:06.400 loving and accepting 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.100 them as your 00:24:07.100 --> 00:24:07.700 fellow believer. 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.880 This is a big 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:12.460 and challenging task, 00:24:12.820 --> 00:24:13.799 but it's the one 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.559 Jesus fulfilled 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.640 when he loved us. 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:16.920 And I pray 00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:17.440 it's the one 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:17.960 we'll be able 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.420 to commit to.